One More Battle. One More Opportunity.

Every football tournament tells stories that go beyond the final.

Some teams chase the championship. Others fight for pride, redemption, and the chance to finish their campaign with heads held high.

That is exactly what awaits when NCCC FC and Higher Ground Assembly (HGA) meet in the JCL26 Third Place Playoff.

After coming within one victory of the final, both teams now have one last opportunity to reward their supporters with a memorable performance and secure a place on the podium.
NCCC FC entered the tournament as one of the established contenders and has once again proven why they are respected across the Jesus Champions League.

Higher Ground Assembly, meanwhile, has been one of the revelations of JCL26. In their debut campaign, they have exceeded expectations, announcing themselves as a team with a bright future in the competition.

For one team, this is about finishing where many expected them to be.

For the other, it is about proving that their remarkable run was no coincidence.

NCCC FC: So Close to the Final

Throughout JCL26, NCCC FC proved they were among the tournament's strongest sides.

A consistent league campaign saw them finish second with nine points, earning a direct place in the Semi-Finals and establishing themselves as genuine title contenders.

Their journey, however, came to a heartbreaking end in a tightly contested Semi-Final against Jesus House FC, where a solitary goal separated the two teams.

For NCCC FC, the disappointment of missing out on the final will undoubtedly hurt, but the opportunity to finish third in JCL26 offers the perfect response.

A victory would underline the consistency and quality they have displayed throughout the tournament.

Higher Ground Assembly: A Remarkable Debut

For Higher Ground Assembly (HGA), JCL26 has already been a tournament to remember.

Making their Jesus Champions League debut, HGA quickly showed they belonged among the competition's best.

After successfully navigating the league phase, they rose to the occasion in the Play-In Round, defeating Christ Villa FC 2–0 to book a place in the Semi-Finals.

Although their title hopes ended with a narrow 1–0 defeat to Calvary Chapel, their journey has earned the respect of players and supporters alike.

For a debut season, reaching the final weekend of the tournament is an achievement worthy of recognition.

Now they have the chance to cap it off with a podium finish.

📍 Venue: Cedar Lane Park
5081 Cedar Lane, Columbia, MD 21044

Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026

Kickoff: 3:00 PM